Our Unique Academic Community

I am often asked what differentiates our college's graduate experience. My response usually includes these key points: our students are mentored by caring faculty who are leaders in their fields; our shared Augustinian values help shape a collaborative community committed to doing good in the world; we celebrate cultural and intellectual diversity; and we are committed to providing student support, from funding to research to professional development and more.

In this issue of Grad CLAS Notes, you will find examples of this unique academic community. In our News section, you will be introduced to our graduate assistants and graduate student ambassadors who assist our office and help make meaningful connections across our graduate programs. You can read about a Public Administration professor who epitomizes our commitment to service. In our Events, Reminders and Information section, you will find opportunities to enrich your experience. Programs such as our Fall Research Symposium, the 3MT competition and various academic conferences are designed to support your research and scholarship. Our colleagues in Career Management offer a number of resources for your professional development, and our friends in the Grad Center provide numerous ways to get involved and connect.

Finally, on October 22 we are hosting an in-person Open House and Reception for prospective graduate students. If you have friends or coworkers who are considering graduate school, please encourage them to attend this fun and informal way to get to know current students and faculty and learn about graduate student life at Villanova.

I hope that you enjoyed a restful and well-deserved fall break. Welcome back!

Graduate Assistants in the Office of Graduate Studies in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) perform important duties, gain insight into potential careers in higher education and serve as valuable connectors to the student community. READ MORE

The CLAS Graduate Student Ambassadors serve important roles for the Office of Graduate Studies by participating in admissions and community events and interacting with the Dean and office staff. READ MORE

Wesley Proctor, EdD, assistant teaching professor of Public Administration, was recently honored with the 2024 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award by the White House and the Biden Administration. The award recognizes individuals who have shown dedicated volunteer service and leadership to the public good. READ MORE

Graduate Open House and Reception – October 22

Do you know someone who may be interested in attending Villanova for graduate school? Please encourage them to register for the CLAS Fall Graduate Open House and Reception for prospective students on Tuesday, October 22 in the Connelly Center Villanova Room. Early birds can take a campus tour at 4:30, with the event starting at 6 p.m. Attendees will enjoy drinks and hors d'oeuvres as they mingle with with faculty and students from their program of interest. The Fall Open House and Reception is a great way for prospective students to get a feel for what graduate student life is like at Villanova. 

Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Information Session – October 23

Join Dr. Mike Westrate and Emily McCloskey of the Grad Center virtually from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, October 23 to learn about the premier research communication skills competition for graduate students! Villanova is hosting its annual 3MT competition on Friday, February 21. Learn about this fun competition (with cash prizes!) and how you can prepare. Register for the information session.

International Merleau-Ponty Circle Conference – October 24-26

Villanova University is hosting this year’s International Merleau-Ponty Circle Conference, October 24-26 at the Inn at Villanova. The annual conference brings together scholars in philosophy, history, literature, the social sciences and psychology, as well as healthcare practitioners and artists, among others, to present papers on Merleau-Ponty’s thought. This year’s conference theme is “Art, Politics and Imagination.” In addition to traditional scholarly sessions, the conference includes a Thursday evening performance by artists Nicole Bindler and David Dove in the Topper Theater in the Mullen Center (all Villanovans are invited to this free event) and a visit to the Villanova art gallery Friday evening. Learn more and register.

GradADVANCE Information Session – October 29

Learn more about Villanova’s new graduate student professional competencies program, GradADVANCE! Join Emily McCloskey, Director of the Grad Center and Meredith Okenquist, Director of Career Management, to learn how you can leverage this unique professional development program and enhance your career. The information session will take place via zoom on Tuesday, October 29 from 12 to 1 p.m. Register for the session.

Villanova Theatre Presents Far Away – October 30 - November 10

Support your fellow CLAS graduate students by attending Villanova Theatre's latest production, Far Away, which runs October 30 - November 10 in the Mullen Center for the Performing Arts. Set in a distant time and place that feels eerily close to our own, Far Away depicts a nightmarish world; where war seems ever-present and humans, insects – even the weather – form strange alliances. Caryl Churchill's mesmerizing play follows Joan from naive girlhood to young adulthood, raising urgent moral questions about our role in a just (or unjust) society. An ingenious and theatrical work from one of the world’s most provocative playwrights. Far Away is directed by Villanova faculty and Villanova Theatre resident director Edward Sobel. The performance on Wednesday, October 30 is free for the Villanova community. Learn more and get tickets.

Career Management Drop-In Hours – November 5 and December 5

Did you know Villanova graduate students have a dedicated career coach? Villanova University Career Management recognizes and supports the unique career needs of graduate students as they pursue new academic and career goals. Stop by during drop-ins on November 5 and December 5 from 1 to 4 p.m. in Vasey Hall Room G14D (Grad Center/Office of Graduate Studies) to have your resume/CV reviewed, learn about the Nova Network or ask any professional question you have!

Nova@Noon: Professional Development Series – Begins November 5

This comprehensive six-part program for Villanovans is designed to provide experienced professionals in all industries with valuable insights and education. You may register for select programs or all six. Virtual events will take place each month on today's most essential professional development topics including the power of personal branding, how to build a meaningful career and transitioning from a traditional career to entrepreneurship. Unlock your full potential in the workplace with the Career Management Professional Development Series and support from the Career Management team. Learn more and register.

Grad Center Football Tailgate – November 9

Join the Grad Center for a family-friendly tailgate from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 9 in the A-2 parking lot at Villanova Stadium before the Wildcats take on North Carolina A&T. Enjoy free food, drinks and more! Learn more and register.

Register for Spring Classes – November 11

Registration for Spring 2025 classes begins on Monday, November 11. You can search by term and subject in the Master Schedule of Classes.

Fall 2024 Grad CLAS Research Symposium – November 15

On Friday, November 15, the CLAS Office of Graduate Studies will be hosting its annual Fall Research Symposium, which highlights the research and scholarship of graduate students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Students present either a 3MT-style oral presentation or a poster presentation of their research. Oral presentations will begin at 1 p.m. in the Mullen Center Court Theatre, followed by poster presentations and a reception at 3 p.m. in the Mullen Center Lobby. Mark your calendars to support your fellow CLAS graduate students!

Graduate Student Peace and Justice Symposium Call for Papers – December 3

This year's conference theme of “Practical Implications of Theoretical Analysis” aims to examine interdisciplinary perspectives on the thought and practice of issues related to seeking peace and justice. The symposium encourages proposals from any discipline, department and institution and welcomes participation from all master's and doctoral students to this no-cost symposium. One unique aspect of this symposium is that it will include a faculty-mentored pre-submission workshop to help students develop and submit abstract proposals, and a pre-symposium workshop to facilitate interconnected panel discussions and presentation techniques. Students may utilize any writing (course papers, journal articles, dissertation chapters, etc.) as the basis for their proposals. The symposium will take place in person in St. Rita's Hall and online on February 14. Abstracts of papers for consideration are due December 3. Learn more and submit your abstract.

Graduate Student Support Group

This confidential group creates a safe space for graduate-level students to experience stronger emotional connections with others while also working through personal issues that may be unique to being a part of a graduate program at Villanova. The group will be led by Drs. Natalie Sheridan and Julia Stein and will meet in Vasey Hall, Room G12 Thursdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. For more information, please call the Counseling Center at 610-519-4050.

NOVA Alert

Have you signed up for NOVA Alert? This system is the University’s mass notification system used for a major crisis or emergency, as well as weather-related closings and delays. NOVA Alert is your personal connection to real-time updates—instructions on where to go, what to do or what not to do, who to contact and other critical information. It is important that you check your NOVA Alert settings, or if you are not signed up, you can do so by following these simple steps:

• Go to MyNova and log in
• Enter Nova Alert in the search box
• Enter your information 
• Your Villanova email and cell phone information will be entered into the NOVA Alert system